Aquarienne Beach Cover Up

Description

Aquarienne is a convertible layer of two identical triangles of filet Tunisian crochet. Each is crocheted point to point (a.k.a. side to side in this case). They’re edged as you go with sparkly “water droplets” (a beaded twisted fringe) because that’s how I roll.

No pre-stringing of beads required. Remarkably, only one 100g. (256-yard) ball of the main color yarn was needed, plus scrap amounts of two contrast colors. Filet-style Tunisian crochet is not a yarn gobbler.

Lace together the colorful linen stitch band several ways: partially unlaced for a poncho, one-sleeved vest, or full-sized V-shawl. Wear the lacing in the front and back for a V-neck, or at the shoulders for a bateau neckline.

My goal was to design a breezy, versatile beach cover up that would be fun to wear here in Florida at the peak of summer (i.e. June to October).

Skill Level

Advanced Intermediate. Two simple Tunisian stitches make a one-row filet-style pattern. Its loose gauge and laciness add challenge; so does starting it in one corner and steadily increasing at one end of each row with a built-in beaded twisted-loop fringe edge. Don’t worry though! Pattern has professional stitch diagrams, a schematic, and video tutorial.

Stepping-stone patterns to build up to an Aquarienne experience would be Diamond Ennis. Also, Aero or Minuet.

After using this pattern, you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to crochet a strikingly open net of Tunisian crochet stitches.
• How to crochet a triangle by starting at one point and ending at the opposite one.
• How to add a finished edge with beaded twisted loops as you complete each row.
• How to combine two lacy triangles to create a convertible garment.
• How to apply principles of filet crochet to Tunisian stitches.
• How to add beads without pre-stringing them.

Materials

Crochet Hook: Straight or Flexible Tunisian crochet hook at least 9” {22.9 cm} long: Size H/8 {5 mm} or size needed for gauge.
Regular crochet hooks Sizes 7 {4.5mm} and G/6 {4 mm} for border.
Yarn used, Main Color: DesigningVashti.com Lotus (52% Cotton, 48% Rayon; 256 yds/235 m per 3.5 oz/100 g skein): 1 full skein, color shown is Crystal Blue.
Very Small Amounts of two Contrast Colors: DesigningVashti.com Lotus Snack balls (52% Cotton, 48% Rayon; 85 yds/77.7 m per 1.16 oz/33 g skein): 1 ball each of Teal Glimmer and Bamboo Green.
Beads: 64 size 6/0 seed beads.
Notions: Steel crochet hook for hoisting a bead onto a loop of yarn. Scissors. Yarn needle. A paperclip, and a way to twist a long cord for lacing such as a kitchen hand mixer (optional; you could crochet, braid, or purchase a lacing cord instead).